For a frozen dessert to share at Epiphany, first choose a number of ice lollies that suits your guests and the space in your freezer. Then choose recipes to match your guests’ tastes, checking the allergens listed on each pack. Make sure you can keep the products frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
If you’re serving several guests and want to avoid buying lots of packs, consider the number of ice lollies, their net weight and how much freezer space you’ll need. E.Leclerc’s Eco+ pack of 16 is a good example of why it’s worth checking all three before choosing a large pack.
A selection of flavours, or a recipe with chocolate and nuts, may matter more than the quantity alone. Carrefour offers, among other options, almond ice lollies and a caramel-pecan recipe. Check that these flavours suit your guests.
If any of your guests have allergies, check that the pack you choose lists the ingredients and any possible traces. Before buying frozen products, also think about the journey home and the space in your freezer.
For an occasional get-together, work out how many you need before choosing the flavours. Then check the recipe for each product and make sure you can transport and store it properly.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and pack size | Count how many ice lollies you need, then compare the packs’ net weight with the space available in your freezer. | If I’m having several people over, I want enough portions without being left with an oversized pack. Around 36% of consumers might put quantity first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact pack you’re buying. | If a guest has an allergy or dietary preference, I need to know exactly which recipe I can offer them. Ingredient suitability would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flavours and recipe | Check the flavours in each ice lolly and whether it contains chocolate, almonds or pecans. | If I want to offer a varied dessert, I’d rather choose the flavours than focus solely on the number of lollies. Around 21% of consumers would put the recipe first. |
| Transport and storage | Plan your journey home after shopping and follow the storage temperature shown on the pack. | If I have a long journey or a full freezer, I need to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re served. This would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A pack of 16, such as the Eco+ option featured by E.Leclerc, is only useful for this dessert if it suits the number of guests and can be stored properly.
Count how many people you’re serving, then check the number of lollies, the net weight and the space available in your freezer.
Carrefour’s recipes include options with almonds and pecans. Other allergens or traces may vary depending on the exact product.
Read the label on the pack you plan to serve, including any ‘may contain’ statements. Don’t assume you know what’s in it from the brand or flavour alone.
The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature speeds up microbial growth. Keeping products frozen matters on the journey from the shop to your freezer, too.
Pick up frozen food last, keep transport time to a minimum and follow the storage instructions on the pack. Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.
E.Leclerc’s Eco+ vanilla and chocolate ice lollies come in a pack of 16, with a net weight of 536 g. It’s a format to consider if you’re serving several people.
Carrefour’s range includes a Classic’ pack of 12 ice lollies, an Extra recipe with almonds and a Sensation caramel-pecan recipe.
The Magnum selection featured by Joybuy includes Classic, Almond and White Chocolate ice creams. It’s a different product from the Magnum Vanilla Almond pack featured below.
This selection includes ice lollies in a range of flavours, as well as individually portioned ice cream bars. For Epiphany, decide which type of recipe you’d prefer, then choose a pack with enough portions to share.
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Consider these if you’d like to share orange and cherry ice lollies rather than chocolate-coated ice cream bars. The pack contains 12 pieces and weighs 444 g.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before offering these to your guests.
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This pack of ice lollies is a good choice if you’re sharing with people who enjoy a range of flavours. It contains 5 flavours and 12 pieces, with a total weight of 1 200 g.
Check the pack for the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for this product.
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The coconut flavour and eight individual portions could suit a small group looking for a single recipe. Each bar is listed as 70 ml.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before serving.
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This vanilla and almond recipe is ideal if those are the flavours you’re looking for. The pack contains eight bars and weighs 600 g.
Check the allergens on the pack before serving this product to anyone with a nut allergy. The almond pieces also need to be considered when serving it to young children.
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The strawberry and vanilla flavours in this pack of six could work well for a small gathering. Each bar is listed as 60 ml.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before offering these to your guests.
Compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight with the number of people you’re serving. If you choose a large pack for Epiphany, make sure you’ll have room in your freezer to store the rest properly.
Start with the ingredients list and allergens for the product you’ve chosen. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted. For comparing the nutritional information of similar products, it also states that nutrition declarations are given per 100 g or 100 ml.
No. Follow the instruction not to refreeze thawed products shown on the Carrefour products reviewed. The DGCCRF also stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain, so plan how you’ll transport and store frozen food accordingly.